May is a month that holds a lot of recognition and health awareness titles. Some of the national and international focused issues and recognition include: Nurses Week, Social Work Week, Hospital Week, Heart and Stroke, Mental Health, World Water Day, World Glaucoma Week, Brain Health, Poison Prevention, Colorectal Cancer, Kidney, Epilespy and Nutrition to name a few.

As a nurse, I see all to often the health challenges as people age and the devastation of strokes. Many are preventable through nutrition and lifestyle choices. This month, I’m touching on the signs of stroke, importance of water and some nutrition points.

We also are thrilled to share about our upcoming largest event of the year at CarFreeYYJ on Sunday, June 18, 2017. Last year, we had the opportunity to meet over 40,000 attendees and need your help to get the word out to the community about our amazing events. VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

We hope that you’ll join us soon at a Victoria Healthy People event and a journey towards living your best life!

Warm regards,

Heidi

Heart and Stroke Awareness

This month, we want to encourage everyone to learn the FAST signs of stroke. We like the Minnesota Stroke Associations graphic and hope it will help you remember when to call 911 for help!

Water

Our bodies are made of about 80% water. Our brains are 85% water, blood 80% and our muscles 70%. So as you can see, our body cannot survive with out water.

Water plays an integral role in removing impurities from our body, cellular hydration, our cooling system and transportation for nutrients and digestive processes.

Adults and children’s needs can vary base on activity level, climate, altitude, illness, pregnancy and breast-feeding to name a few variances. An easy rule for adults to remember is 8 x 8 (8 glasses / 8 ounces). This is a general guideline, however age, activity level and many other factors can affect this. Children require less based on size.

Nutrition

Science is proving in the plethora of health studies that what we eat, does matter. Cancer rates can be decreased by choosing a whole food, plant-based diet. The Oxford EPIC Study in Europe and Adventist Health Study II along with the Blue Zones research show that longevity and the best health is plant powered fuel for our bodies.

What should I eat then for the best nutrition? A whole food, plant based diet includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits; vegetables; whole grains; beans and other legumes, nuts and seeds; and healthy fats (recommended from nuts and avocados).

In closing, we encourage you to talk with your doctor about your health. We hope to see you soon at one of our events too!

In 1909, Americans consumed 200 lbs of grains and 200 lbs of fresh potatoes (not chips, not fries) every year. They ate mainly a plant-based diet.1 out of 33 people developed cancer. (Canadian statistics follow very close to these and our diets are fairly comparable.)

In 1985, the amount of grains and fresh potatoes consumed by the average person had decreased by 50%. Meat and milk consumption had doubled. Consumption of chicken increased by 300%. A shift occurred from a mostly plant-based diet to one laden with animals, sugar and refined foods. 1 out of 3 people developed cancer.

In 2015, with increase in processed and refined foods and further changes in dietary and lifestyle habits, and an increase in environmental carcinogenic factors, cancer rates soared to 1 out of 2 people.

By 2020, statistics predict that everyone will develop cancer at some time in their life.

Interested in ways to prevent cancer? Move towards and / or adopt a whole food, plant based diet. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Attend a cooking class or supper club and try out some plant based food. Join a walking group. To learn more about cancer and ways to prevent it, visit the American Institute for Cancer Research at: www.airc.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/

Victoria Healthy People was founded by Heidi (a nurse) and friends who are passionate about healthy living. Our mission is to improve the health of the greater south island region. We offer a variety of events, classes and activities and hope that you’ll take a look around. We’re growing and will continue to add features online as well as new offerings. Visit us on Facebook and sign-up today for an event! Many of our activities and events are free and others are very low cost. We guarantee they’ll be fun and informative. We have something for everyone and wish for you a happy, healthy and long life. See you soon!